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The Hollow King #2
Nightborn
Like deep dark water, it pulls them down. The faint fire of magic within them flickers and dies. Their eyes turn black as night. They are nightborn now.
Grace Marchant has been many things: streetwise orphan, rebellious servant, and now beloved companion of Prince Bastien, heir to the throne of Larelwynn. But their sunlit happiness is not destined to last. The golden magic which brought them together in purest passion is threatened by strange and ancient forces. Innocent people are becoming nightborn – cruel, deadly, unrecognisable to their loved ones – and these two young lovers are the only ones with power enough to stop it.
In times of peace, striking a deal with their closest enemy would be unthinkable, but now their only hope is to ally with the neighbouring Valenti royal family: manipulative, cunning, and always with an eye on the Larelwynn throne. The partnership comes at a devastating price… if Grace wants to defeat the nightborn, she must watch Bastien marry a Valenti princess.
Grace knows she must make this heart-wrenching sacrifice for the good of the whole kingdom – but she also fears the magic in her veins, usually so warm and bright, is turning cold as deepest midnight. A beguiling darkness whispers to her from within. Is Grace herself becoming nightborn?
Time is running out. With Bastien promised to another, and a stony distance growing between them, will Grace find the source of the nightborn curse before every last soul is consumed by the darkness?
Combining sizzling romance, courtly intrigue, and heart-in-your-mouth action, this dark and addictive fantasy series is perfect for fans of Graceling and Emily R. King.
Grace Marchant has been many things: streetwise orphan, rebellious servant, and now beloved companion of Prince Bastien, heir to the throne of Larelwynn. But their sunlit happiness is not destined to last. The golden magic which brought them together in purest passion is threatened by strange and ancient forces. Innocent people are becoming nightborn – cruel, deadly, unrecognisable to their loved ones – and these two young lovers are the only ones with power enough to stop it.
In times of peace, striking a deal with their closest enemy would be unthinkable, but now their only hope is to ally with the neighbouring Valenti royal family: manipulative, cunning, and always with an eye on the Larelwynn throne. The partnership comes at a devastating price… if Grace wants to defeat the nightborn, she must watch Bastien marry a Valenti princess.
Grace knows she must make this heart-wrenching sacrifice for the good of the whole kingdom – but she also fears the magic in her veins, usually so warm and bright, is turning cold as deepest midnight. A beguiling darkness whispers to her from within. Is Grace herself becoming nightborn?
Time is running out. With Bastien promised to another, and a stony distance growing between them, will Grace find the source of the nightborn curse before every last soul is consumed by the darkness?
Combining sizzling romance, courtly intrigue, and heart-in-your-mouth action, this dark and addictive fantasy series is perfect for fans of Graceling and Emily R. King.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 26, 2020
419 people are currently reading
643 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Thorne
12 books243 followersJessica Thorne watched far too much sci-fi and read far too much fantasy at an impressionable age. And it was awesome. She writes fantasy and sci-fi romance with a steampunk edge and just refuses to face reality.
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May 27, 2020
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Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are mine.
'For this is my final wish, to lay my head beside yours,
to bend my knee before you, to spill my blood on the cold hard ground,
three times dead, twice entombed.'
I liked Mageborn, it was a good story. But my attention and enjoyment of it wavered throughout the novel. With Nightborn, however, I was gripped from start to finish. I was thriving along that high tension.
In Nightborn, we pick up months after the end of Mageborn alongside Bastien, Grace, and the gang as they move into the Valenti Islands in hopes of an alliance against Rathlynn. One of the things that made me anxious about the synopsis of Nightborn was the premise that a love triangle might be found in the midst of this second installment. As a personal preference, I am not a fan of love triangles. They are cliché, they've been done a million times, and if I do read one, I hope and pray that it will be done in a way that will allow me to still enjoy the story while I attempt to manage my anxiety levels. I commend Jessica Thorne. Not only did she deliver on this fervent hope of mine, but she didn't give us the typical love triangle that I would expect in this scenario. The fact that she still gave the allusion of it, and then threw in a twist, made me like this book even more because I admire and appreciate an author who thinks outside the box. With just a little tweak of the characters and their personalities, the cliché was averted.
The plot of Nightborn was fascinating. We are given a hint as to what a nightborn is from the first novel—they are the reason that mageborn paid homage to Bastien. But without Bastien around, and with the Deep Dark disturbed after Grace's death and return in Mageborn, the nightborn now run rampant. Their magic is twisted, broken, and they are out to maim and kill and destroy. In mind of this, if you expect chaos, death, bloodshed and fear, you are not going to be disappointed. Nightborn more than delivers on this while the main cast of the novel runs for their lives in an attempt to not just solve this problem, but to find a solution for the way that the Deep Dark is affecting Grace.
If she played a strong role before, Grace steals the show in this book, and I am delighted by that. This is a case of me liking a character at first, but then really appreciating them the more that I get to know them. Grace is headstrong without being overconfident, and she is not immune from feeling the obvious fear that someone might feel when there is an ancient and powerfully magical force taking over you. She's more than willing to sacrifice herself for those she loves, but it's not a blind sacrifice. She wants to find a way to end what is potentially going to ruin an entire group of people, rather than blindly throw herself to the mercy of whatever god might make this happen and hope for the best. She was very human in her weaknesses and strengths, and her love for Bastien—and their relationship, in general—is not just stronger, but more deeply felt, and I couldn't help but connect with it.
There are going to be some surprises, many coming from the antagonists of this cast. Asher Kane is a delight to hate, and he almost overwhelms Aurelie in “bad guy” persona. Where Aurelie is hatred borne of pride and an ego the size of the entire kingdom of Rathlynn, Asher is smart. He uses that intelligence to his advantage. He certainly uses it a time or two here.
If there was anything that made me draw back in doubt about Nightborn, it was likely Kane and company's easy capture of Bastien and coercion into him going along with their plans near the novel's start. On one hand, I am not surprised. Bastien has been used before. But the ease with which it was done, while he still retained his powers at full strength and could defend himself, was unbelievable to me, rubbed me the wrong way, and left me dissatisfied. I'm still not wholly convinced, and in part feel that it was done so that the marriage with Rynn could happen. Besides, you would think that Bastien, who has lived in a nest of vipers for years, would know better than to go into another one, on his own, to reason with them.
You're lovely, Bastien, and I adore you, but that was never going to work out and you must have known it.
Book three must be coming next if the second's end is anything to judge by, and I want my hands all over it already. The ending to Nightborn was slightly weakened for me by Grace's neat salvation—again. It happened far too easily, although I'm sure that the Hollow King had/has a plan, and that we may (I hope) later find out about it. But I am eager, now that I find myself well and truly hooked into this story, to continue following its path.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are mine.
'For this is my final wish, to lay my head beside yours,
to bend my knee before you, to spill my blood on the cold hard ground,
three times dead, twice entombed.'
I liked Mageborn, it was a good story. But my attention and enjoyment of it wavered throughout the novel. With Nightborn, however, I was gripped from start to finish. I was thriving along that high tension.
In Nightborn, we pick up months after the end of Mageborn alongside Bastien, Grace, and the gang as they move into the Valenti Islands in hopes of an alliance against Rathlynn. One of the things that made me anxious about the synopsis of Nightborn was the premise that a love triangle might be found in the midst of this second installment. As a personal preference, I am not a fan of love triangles. They are cliché, they've been done a million times, and if I do read one, I hope and pray that it will be done in a way that will allow me to still enjoy the story while I attempt to manage my anxiety levels. I commend Jessica Thorne. Not only did she deliver on this fervent hope of mine, but she didn't give us the typical love triangle that I would expect in this scenario. The fact that she still gave the allusion of it, and then threw in a twist, made me like this book even more because I admire and appreciate an author who thinks outside the box. With just a little tweak of the characters and their personalities, the cliché was averted.
The plot of Nightborn was fascinating. We are given a hint as to what a nightborn is from the first novel—they are the reason that mageborn paid homage to Bastien. But without Bastien around, and with the Deep Dark disturbed after Grace's death and return in Mageborn, the nightborn now run rampant. Their magic is twisted, broken, and they are out to maim and kill and destroy. In mind of this, if you expect chaos, death, bloodshed and fear, you are not going to be disappointed. Nightborn more than delivers on this while the main cast of the novel runs for their lives in an attempt to not just solve this problem, but to find a solution for the way that the Deep Dark is affecting Grace.
If she played a strong role before, Grace steals the show in this book, and I am delighted by that. This is a case of me liking a character at first, but then really appreciating them the more that I get to know them. Grace is headstrong without being overconfident, and she is not immune from feeling the obvious fear that someone might feel when there is an ancient and powerfully magical force taking over you. She's more than willing to sacrifice herself for those she loves, but it's not a blind sacrifice. She wants to find a way to end what is potentially going to ruin an entire group of people, rather than blindly throw herself to the mercy of whatever god might make this happen and hope for the best. She was very human in her weaknesses and strengths, and her love for Bastien—and their relationship, in general—is not just stronger, but more deeply felt, and I couldn't help but connect with it.
There are going to be some surprises, many coming from the antagonists of this cast. Asher Kane is a delight to hate, and he almost overwhelms Aurelie in “bad guy” persona. Where Aurelie is hatred borne of pride and an ego the size of the entire kingdom of Rathlynn, Asher is smart. He uses that intelligence to his advantage. He certainly uses it a time or two here.
If there was anything that made me draw back in doubt about Nightborn, it was likely Kane and company's easy capture of Bastien and coercion into him going along with their plans near the novel's start. On one hand, I am not surprised. Bastien has been used before. But the ease with which it was done, while he still retained his powers at full strength and could defend himself, was unbelievable to me, rubbed me the wrong way, and left me dissatisfied. I'm still not wholly convinced, and in part feel that it was done so that the marriage with Rynn could happen. Besides, you would think that Bastien, who has lived in a nest of vipers for years, would know better than to go into another one, on his own, to reason with them.
You're lovely, Bastien, and I adore you, but that was never going to work out and you must have known it.
Book three must be coming next if the second's end is anything to judge by, and I want my hands all over it already. The ending to Nightborn was slightly weakened for me by Grace's neat salvation—again. It happened far too easily, although I'm sure that the Hollow King had/has a plan, and that we may (I hope) later find out about it. But I am eager, now that I find myself well and truly hooked into this story, to continue following its path.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2020
ARC provided by Bookouture and Jessica Thorne via NetGalley. All opinions are mine and freely given.
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"She never thought to have a lover like him. A king, even if he was one in exile. A god, even if he was one who had given up his power."
05-31: 'Nightborn (The Hollow King Book 2)' by Jessica Thorne is has been one of my most eagerly awaited releases of the year. When I read the first novel in the series 'Mageborn' back in February, I had no idea the kind of need it was going to create in me for more of her world.
In hindsight, I fell absolutely in love with Bastien the moment he graced the pages. I was slower to warm to the other characters, though they're all good.. the villains included. In fact, the villains have pretty nasty tendencies indeed.. even if they don't always get to carry out their thoughts and ideas.
Prince Bastien, the Lord of Thorns, and his lover Grace Marchant fled their home for safer lands. This part of the journey picks up on those distant islands with the Valenti Dowager Queen bargaining with the throne meant for him. As heir to the throne of Larelwynn, she offers him an alliance in exchange for marrying her daughter.
Meanwhile, innocent mageborn are being corrupted and becoming nightborn once thought to be legend, growing dangerously powerful as the Deep Dark spreads. The only way to protect themselves and save the people he's sworn to protect seems to be agreeing to the price the Valenti royal family demands. Though Grace knows the sacrifice is necessary for the good of the kingdom, he's her everything.. and watching it all happen is not easy.
"Her only adornment was the warrant and a sigil threaded on a chain. She wore them like a thread.
If only she'd stop looking like she wanted to murder anyone who so much as glanced their way."
Oh the angst!
While I do miss the constantly annoyed, brooding Bastien from the first book, it's also really good to see him content and it's frustrating how short-lived his happiness always seems to be. Watching as those around his clamor for his power or his name for their own agendas is infuriating. He deserves so much more.
Thorne does such a great job of getting the reader invested because there really is always some nefarious person right around the corner with plans to use him. He's loyal, protective, and will do just about anything for those he considers 'his people' which is a huge weakness with the pit vipers surrounding him.
"Danny had always said Kurt would end up in more hot water than he could handle. Kurt had always told his little brother that he liked his water as hot as possible."
The supporting characters are wonderful. The banter is good, the dialogue is well-written, and frankly.. there's a great sense of humor that sort of permeates their little group. Sarcasm abounds.
I love Misha the Lyric who's loyalty also seems to know no bounds, of course.. he suffered awfully in book one as well and I haven't forgotten. Kurt is a wildcard, always funny, always resourceful, but you never know exactly where he's going to come down on a situation. Ellyn is as stubborn as Grace and that's saying something because I'm pretty sure if you searched the word in Webster's.. there'd just be a picture of her there.
It's definitely a quick-paced page-turner. There's plenty of action, lots of moments that swing wildly back and forth while you wait to see the outcome, and an antagonist that just never stops showing up at the worst possible moments. I despise Asher. Even more than the nasty royals, the man has no morals. He completely lacks any redeeming qualities. I guess.. I could say that for all the villains, they're clear-cut.
"I can throw him over the side, but he'd probably just control the sea and walk after us."
Though Bastien is beautiful and lovely.. he's also (to borrow a phrase from a comedian) a bit of a Princess Peach. I'm not sure I've ever read a powerful male character who gets captured quite so much. He's always being abused by some horrible person or another, manipulated and controlled.. because he does have vulnerabilities. Don't get me wrong, it makes for a great story. It just also makes me want to sweep him away and keep him safe.. which enables me to relate to Grace really easily. At least until she does the same stupid things, albeit for better.. if not good reasons.
Unless you're heartless, you're probably going to go through some tissues. I know I did. Quite a few.. and it started before I even reached the first half of the book.
If you like good fantasy stories with interesting mythos building and magic systems, this is one of my favorites. Be sure to give this series a try. Thorne really knows how to weave a tale and keep you engrossed throughout every page. I absolutely love these books.
PURCHASE LINKS: AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE
May 28, 2020
I received this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Nightborn is a wonderful wrap-up of a magical duology full of dark secrets and unexpected twists.
I really enjoyed Mageborn when I read it and couldn’t wait to get my hands on Nightborn soon enough. The story starts a short time after the end of Mageborn with Bastien and Grace safe in a whole new kingdom. Until that safety is pull out from under their feet when they’re faced with a decision Grace never saw coming. Either Bastien marries that kingdom’s youngest princess or everyone he cares for will suffer.
Their journey throughout this book was action-packed and thrilling with lots of twists and turns. Very fast-paced, between ambushes, stolen memories, kidnappings and dark powers brewing within our beloved characters, they fight to overcome everything thrown their way by multiple enemy forces.
The most surprising character in this book has to be Asher Kane. His motivations and his plans are unveiled in this instalment and we see a side of him we haven’t before. His cunning has no match.
I was not a big fan of Rynn at the start but she slowly grew on me. New bonds blossom with the introduction of a few new characters and new plots are uncovered.
I think Kurt has to be my favourite character in the book. I love how sassy and arrogant he can be. Everyone in the gang is amazing and I was happy to follow their adventures again.
The negative thing I can comment on is how Bastien felt less powerful in this book. He barely used his powers and we see Grace use hers a lot more. I think in some scenes Bastien could have defended himself easily and he just didn’t.
I highly recommend this duology to any and all fans of YA fantasy. It’s an exciting and action-packed story that leaves you at the edge of your seat.
Nightborn is a wonderful wrap-up of a magical duology full of dark secrets and unexpected twists.
I really enjoyed Mageborn when I read it and couldn’t wait to get my hands on Nightborn soon enough. The story starts a short time after the end of Mageborn with Bastien and Grace safe in a whole new kingdom. Until that safety is pull out from under their feet when they’re faced with a decision Grace never saw coming. Either Bastien marries that kingdom’s youngest princess or everyone he cares for will suffer.
Their journey throughout this book was action-packed and thrilling with lots of twists and turns. Very fast-paced, between ambushes, stolen memories, kidnappings and dark powers brewing within our beloved characters, they fight to overcome everything thrown their way by multiple enemy forces.
The most surprising character in this book has to be Asher Kane. His motivations and his plans are unveiled in this instalment and we see a side of him we haven’t before. His cunning has no match.
I was not a big fan of Rynn at the start but she slowly grew on me. New bonds blossom with the introduction of a few new characters and new plots are uncovered.
I think Kurt has to be my favourite character in the book. I love how sassy and arrogant he can be. Everyone in the gang is amazing and I was happy to follow their adventures again.
The negative thing I can comment on is how Bastien felt less powerful in this book. He barely used his powers and we see Grace use hers a lot more. I think in some scenes Bastien could have defended himself easily and he just didn’t.
I highly recommend this duology to any and all fans of YA fantasy. It’s an exciting and action-packed story that leaves you at the edge of your seat.
August 11, 2020
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Just like the first book of The Hollow King Series, Nightborn was a pretty addicting read. It sort of picked up where the first book ended. By sort of, I mean a couple of months later which honestly isn't a big deal to me. In it, we are still with Bastien, Grace, and the rest of the gang while they are this grand adventure to find allies.
Now in the first book, I wasn't sure on how I felt about Bastien and Grace being together. Heck, I'm still now but I am glad that this one didn't go down the love triangle route. For some odd reason, there's always a book in a series that has one. Not sure why though because I'm not a huge fan of them. That being said, these two did become more likable to me. Not sure if that makes sense right now but I didn't love them in a relationship before diving into book two.. but I like them as people in this one?
Yeah, let's go with they were more likable in this one. Especially Grace. I don't know what water she is drinking... but she should keep at it. There was just something different about her this time around that drew me in. She was definitely a stronger character this time around and I'm enjoying her growth throughout the series.
In the end, I am hooked by all the betrayals and twists in this book. I am beyond excited to dive into the next one!
Just like the first book of The Hollow King Series, Nightborn was a pretty addicting read. It sort of picked up where the first book ended. By sort of, I mean a couple of months later which honestly isn't a big deal to me. In it, we are still with Bastien, Grace, and the rest of the gang while they are this grand adventure to find allies.
Now in the first book, I wasn't sure on how I felt about Bastien and Grace being together. Heck, I'm still now but I am glad that this one didn't go down the love triangle route. For some odd reason, there's always a book in a series that has one. Not sure why though because I'm not a huge fan of them. That being said, these two did become more likable to me. Not sure if that makes sense right now but I didn't love them in a relationship before diving into book two.. but I like them as people in this one?
Yeah, let's go with they were more likable in this one. Especially Grace. I don't know what water she is drinking... but she should keep at it. There was just something different about her this time around that drew me in. She was definitely a stronger character this time around and I'm enjoying her growth throughout the series.
In the end, I am hooked by all the betrayals and twists in this book. I am beyond excited to dive into the next one!
Want to read
May 21, 2020The Hollow King:
1. Mageborn — 4⭐
2. Nightborn — coming soon!
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I just received an email from NetGalley that I've been approved for an e-ARC of Nightborn by the publisher—Bookouture! 🥳
I can't wait to read it because even though there was no cliffhanger in Mageborn, I'm still dying to know what will happen to Grace and Bastien in the sequel 😍
From the synopsis, I know this is not going to be a fun read like the first book. I get a feeling the sequel will be darker somehow. Aaahh, I'm super excited!
1. Mageborn — 4⭐
2. Nightborn — coming soon!
Blog | Twitter | Instagram
I just received an email from NetGalley that I've been approved for an e-ARC of Nightborn by the publisher—Bookouture! 🥳
I can't wait to read it because even though there was no cliffhanger in Mageborn, I'm still dying to know what will happen to Grace and Bastien in the sequel 😍
From the synopsis, I know this is not going to be a fun read like the first book. I get a feeling the sequel will be darker somehow. Aaahh, I'm super excited!
April 21, 2020
I devoured this book and stayed up into the early hours of the morning just to finish it. This is the second book in the series and it completely blew me away. The story is darker but the characters are superb. Grace and Bastien are fully fleshed out, both amazing and yet also flawed, stubborn, and willing to do what is necessary to save each other, even if that means causing pain. My heart broke for both characters at certain stages of this book. Grace really shone throughout the story and her actions and emotions were felt on all levels. Celeste is another character that really came to life on the page. She's creepy and extremely dangerous and was so well written. Aurelie, the wicked queen, lives up to her name too.
Throughout this story, I was pulled into a new world, dark, filled with magic, action, and perilous adventures as Bastien and Grace struggled to defeat the deep dark. Misha, Danny, and Ellyn all played a big part and I loved the loyalty these characters had. New characters were introduced too and Rynn was a big surprise and I found myself shouting nooooo more times than a little.
I don't want to give away any spoilers as to what happens in this story, but I will say, be prepared for a heart wrenching emotional journey at times and lots of harrowing battles. It's a page-turner and I'm going to go out on a limb and say that this book by Jessica Thorne is the best yet and sure to be a bestseller.
The ending left the way open for another book in the series and I really hope we get one.
Throughout this story, I was pulled into a new world, dark, filled with magic, action, and perilous adventures as Bastien and Grace struggled to defeat the deep dark. Misha, Danny, and Ellyn all played a big part and I loved the loyalty these characters had. New characters were introduced too and Rynn was a big surprise and I found myself shouting nooooo more times than a little.
I don't want to give away any spoilers as to what happens in this story, but I will say, be prepared for a heart wrenching emotional journey at times and lots of harrowing battles. It's a page-turner and I'm going to go out on a limb and say that this book by Jessica Thorne is the best yet and sure to be a bestseller.
The ending left the way open for another book in the series and I really hope we get one.
August 26, 2020
*I received a free ARC of this novel, with thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
Nightborn is the second in the Hollow King series, and you really do need to read Mageborn first, as this book picks up the plot running from where the previous book left off.
This is a fantasy / romance adventure in which tempestuous couple Grace (warrior and reluctant mage) and Bastien (reluctant prince and even more reluctant mage) have to fight political pressures, hordes of evil, and their own inner demons, to be with each other and save the kingdom that they have both devoted their lives to serving.
There is plenty of action and intrigue in the plot here, with the return of the nightborn – kind of like magical zombies, consumed by dark power – and the Deep Dark attempting to claim Grace for its own, and Bastien being pressured to wed a fellow noble to retain (and save) his kingdom. Other familiar characters like Danny, Ellyn, Misha and Kurt return, and some familiar villains too, which is great because they add real depth to the main storyline.
There is less focus on Bastien and Grace’s love life in this instalment, as they seem more mature and willing to focus more on what needs to be done than on their own desires, but there was still lots of repetitive bickering about whose duty should take precedence; I’ve never seen two characters so keen to throw themselves under a bus in the other’s best interests!
For the most part, though, this is a compelling fantasy adventure and the ending felt satisfying, with the door ever so slightly ajar for a return if necessary, but most of the plot points resolved. I do hope that there is a Book 3, if only to catch up with some of my side-character favourites… the team dynamic had me hooked more than the two main players!
Once upon a time a terrible plague known as the nightborn descended on the kingdom. Their magic was wild and dangerous, and nothing could control them. But legend had it there was a cure. So the three princes of the kingdom determined to go on a quest to find that cure.
– Jessica Thorne, Nightborn
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
Nightborn is the second in the Hollow King series, and you really do need to read Mageborn first, as this book picks up the plot running from where the previous book left off.
This is a fantasy / romance adventure in which tempestuous couple Grace (warrior and reluctant mage) and Bastien (reluctant prince and even more reluctant mage) have to fight political pressures, hordes of evil, and their own inner demons, to be with each other and save the kingdom that they have both devoted their lives to serving.
There is plenty of action and intrigue in the plot here, with the return of the nightborn – kind of like magical zombies, consumed by dark power – and the Deep Dark attempting to claim Grace for its own, and Bastien being pressured to wed a fellow noble to retain (and save) his kingdom. Other familiar characters like Danny, Ellyn, Misha and Kurt return, and some familiar villains too, which is great because they add real depth to the main storyline.
There is less focus on Bastien and Grace’s love life in this instalment, as they seem more mature and willing to focus more on what needs to be done than on their own desires, but there was still lots of repetitive bickering about whose duty should take precedence; I’ve never seen two characters so keen to throw themselves under a bus in the other’s best interests!
For the most part, though, this is a compelling fantasy adventure and the ending felt satisfying, with the door ever so slightly ajar for a return if necessary, but most of the plot points resolved. I do hope that there is a Book 3, if only to catch up with some of my side-character favourites… the team dynamic had me hooked more than the two main players!
Once upon a time a terrible plague known as the nightborn descended on the kingdom. Their magic was wild and dangerous, and nothing could control them. But legend had it there was a cure. So the three princes of the kingdom determined to go on a quest to find that cure.
– Jessica Thorne, Nightborn
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
May 11, 2020
I enjoyed the first book, Mageborn, so when I saw this pop up on Netgalley, I grabbed it. Wow. I enjoyed it even more than the first.
The story opens with Grace Marchant and Bastien Larelwynn (the Lord of Thorns) in a foreign court, where Bastien is playing -or rather trying not be played by - courtly games. Meanwhile something odd is happening to the Mageborn. They are being converted, filled with darkness and turned into vicious and powerful Nightborn. There's no way to save them, and the only way to destroy them is to kill them or let them kill themselves.
Grace's powers are dangerously close to turning Nightborn. Quite early on, something terrible happens to Bastien (I can't tell you what it is, but it's pretty terrible) and everything goes wrong.
There's romance and magic (the costly kind, not the nice twinkly kind) and quite a lot of violence. The pace doesn't let up right until the end. It's a brilliant fantasy adventure that gallops along.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the review copy.
The story opens with Grace Marchant and Bastien Larelwynn (the Lord of Thorns) in a foreign court, where Bastien is playing -or rather trying not be played by - courtly games. Meanwhile something odd is happening to the Mageborn. They are being converted, filled with darkness and turned into vicious and powerful Nightborn. There's no way to save them, and the only way to destroy them is to kill them or let them kill themselves.
Grace's powers are dangerously close to turning Nightborn. Quite early on, something terrible happens to Bastien (I can't tell you what it is, but it's pretty terrible) and everything goes wrong.
There's romance and magic (the costly kind, not the nice twinkly kind) and quite a lot of violence. The pace doesn't let up right until the end. It's a brilliant fantasy adventure that gallops along.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the review copy.
May 3, 2020
*THANK YOU to Bookouture for graciously providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
I absolutely hate writing that kind of reviews...but i am left with so much mixed feelings about Nightborn.
Firstly i really loved all the plot twist and surprise moments ideas....and thats what makes me sad,because of all the potential that story has.
I felt like i was sprinting trough all the events one after another and that left me no room to grasp properly ,mentaly and emotionally what was going on and to have some kind of impact on me - at least emotionally (and believe me there are a lots of moments that makes you gasp - what did just happened?).Maybe if there were more chapters and more time to "breathe" between all the action it would give time to sync in.
Again i loved the character development direction that Grace Marchant was heading and i wanted more and i was curious! But again was cut short on several occasions and it felt like a hiccup and it was really frustrating because it was undermining all the buildup her character got so far.
Another love/hate moment is Bastien's character....i was kinda pleased to see him got the backseat for a while but after a while it became a little irritating and his character got pretty much like a damsel in distress all of the time.
I really hope there will be a third book in the series,because on one hand the final was good despite that it left me a little baffled and with a lot of questions and two - despite the hate/love relationship with the second book i want to see the characters again and sort some of the questions.
Hence why i gave 4 stars and not 3 despite my rant and in some weird way i did enjoyed it.
I absolutely hate writing that kind of reviews...but i am left with so much mixed feelings about Nightborn.
Firstly i really loved all the plot twist and surprise moments ideas....and thats what makes me sad,because of all the potential that story has.
I felt like i was sprinting trough all the events one after another and that left me no room to grasp properly ,mentaly and emotionally what was going on and to have some kind of impact on me - at least emotionally (and believe me there are a lots of moments that makes you gasp - what did just happened?).Maybe if there were more chapters and more time to "breathe" between all the action it would give time to sync in.
Again i loved the character development direction that Grace Marchant was heading and i wanted more and i was curious! But again was cut short on several occasions and it felt like a hiccup and it was really frustrating because it was undermining all the buildup her character got so far.
Another love/hate moment is Bastien's character....i was kinda pleased to see him got the backseat for a while but after a while it became a little irritating and his character got pretty much like a damsel in distress all of the time.
I really hope there will be a third book in the series,because on one hand the final was good despite that it left me a little baffled and with a lot of questions and two - despite the hate/love relationship with the second book i want to see the characters again and sort some of the questions.
Hence why i gave 4 stars and not 3 despite my rant and in some weird way i did enjoyed it.
May 15, 2020
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Young Adult / Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Nightborn is the second installment in author Jessica Thorne's The Hollow King series. This story picks up 3 months after the ending of Mageborn. There are several key characters that readers must pay attention to: Captain Grace Merchant, Queen Aurelie, Asher Kane, Kurt Parry & Bastien Larelwynn. Once upon a time, a terrible plague known as the Nightborn descended on the world. Their magic was wild and dangerous and nothing could control them.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Young Adult / Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Nightborn is the second installment in author Jessica Thorne's The Hollow King series. This story picks up 3 months after the ending of Mageborn. There are several key characters that readers must pay attention to: Captain Grace Merchant, Queen Aurelie, Asher Kane, Kurt Parry & Bastien Larelwynn. Once upon a time, a terrible plague known as the Nightborn descended on the world. Their magic was wild and dangerous and nothing could control them.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
September 30, 2020
This was MILES better than Maegborn. More gripping tale, author seems to have grown a lot in the second instalment and dropped the unnecessary over descriptive setting the scene. The story development was better and more attention holding. However not full stars due to the fact I just didn't get the ending. Didn't understand the deep dark, didn't understand the hollow king and just thought the conclusion of that was far too wishy washy for such a build up. Grace died 3 trapped 2, that was a cool prophecy but it wasn't well executed. All in all this serious if a little more fined would of been great. Thank you J for the read.
May 12, 2020
Another great book, Thorne breaks my heart every damn time! But I can forgive her I suppose. Nightborn is a great story in The Hollow King series, very interesting and fast-moving.
The book had me in a rollercoaster of emotions but the ending ultimately left me satisfied.
Thorne is a great author, I can rely on her for a great book every time, something to curl up on the sofa with and fall into!
The book had me in a rollercoaster of emotions but the ending ultimately left me satisfied.
Thorne is a great author, I can rely on her for a great book every time, something to curl up on the sofa with and fall into!
May 25, 2020
Trigger Warnings:
I received this book from Net Galley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review.
"The Deep Dark is coming, and all the Nightborn will be coming with it."
"Coming?"
"For me. For you. And for everyone we love."
Can I just say how much I waited to read this book the moment I received the news it was ready to be released? That it's been only 3 months ago that I read Mageborn and the continuation is here. That my babies, Bastien and Grace, are here and I can succumb to my foolish weak emotions and dive back into their world straight away with my mind fresh and ready to swallow the pages one by one. I just love Jessica's writing, they are my very own drug. I guess that's how Aurelie feels... Magic is addicting ;)
He had a heart that would look after this whole world even if it killed him.
It's been exactly three months since Grace and the gang escaped from Aurelie, Asher and Celeste clutches and spoiled their plans for at least a little while. Grace got so much on her shoulders now, the protection of Bastien and her friends, the future of the kingdom and how they going to usurp Aurelie and now a malevolent power raising thanks to Bastien saving her from the brink of death. Things aren't great at all, not only they are housed in another country seeking an asylum and trying to gather forces so Bastien can claim the throne the mageborn are starting to lose control. It's not another Hollow outburst, no... The Deep Dark is back and is rapidly changing the mages one by one, including our beloved Grace.
You could be so much more. If you just had the courage to reach out and seize it. It's waiting for you. There's a sacrifice, of course. But everything worthwhile demands a sacrifice. Especially magic.
This book isn't kidding around if you thought the stakes were high in the previous title think again. Jessica Thorne is here to torment us with so many conflicts and angst that for some time I forgot to breath. I thought I was in one of those exceptionally movie screening of David Lynch movie and just when I thought I comprehend what was happening, she push me off my chair and then my heart was panicking. Grace have to put her duty before her own happiness, Bastien dealing with his own identity and what was his past which has huge gaps in it, Ellyn been uncomfortable been back to her own home country at the control of the Valenti royal family and Kurt, Daniel's brother trying to be a huge thorn in Aurelie butt while buying the gang some time.
You aren't just following Bastien and Grace POV anymore but everybody which appreciate since now we get to enjoy the perspective of so many characters like Daniel, Kurt, Ellyn, HACK even the bad guys Aurelie and Celeste which were my favorite to explore. Aurelie was quite an enjoyable little villain and seeing her shine more in this book was a blessing. Celeste still a huge wild card and she wasn't undermined and became a vital part for the final act too. More depth to the world and the magic, the history behind the hollow king was revealing and it was mind blowing. I enjoyed this, and if you loved Mageborn you'd love this one too :)
I received this book from Net Galley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review.
"The Deep Dark is coming, and all the Nightborn will be coming with it."
"Coming?"
"For me. For you. And for everyone we love."
Can I just say how much I waited to read this book the moment I received the news it was ready to be released? That it's been only 3 months ago that I read Mageborn and the continuation is here. That my babies, Bastien and Grace, are here and I can succumb to my foolish weak emotions and dive back into their world straight away with my mind fresh and ready to swallow the pages one by one. I just love Jessica's writing, they are my very own drug. I guess that's how Aurelie feels... Magic is addicting ;)
He had a heart that would look after this whole world even if it killed him.
It's been exactly three months since Grace and the gang escaped from Aurelie, Asher and Celeste clutches and spoiled their plans for at least a little while. Grace got so much on her shoulders now, the protection of Bastien and her friends, the future of the kingdom and how they going to usurp Aurelie and now a malevolent power raising thanks to Bastien saving her from the brink of death. Things aren't great at all, not only they are housed in another country seeking an asylum and trying to gather forces so Bastien can claim the throne the mageborn are starting to lose control. It's not another Hollow outburst, no... The Deep Dark is back and is rapidly changing the mages one by one, including our beloved Grace.
You could be so much more. If you just had the courage to reach out and seize it. It's waiting for you. There's a sacrifice, of course. But everything worthwhile demands a sacrifice. Especially magic.
This book isn't kidding around if you thought the stakes were high in the previous title think again. Jessica Thorne is here to torment us with so many conflicts and angst that for some time I forgot to breath. I thought I was in one of those exceptionally movie screening of David Lynch movie and just when I thought I comprehend what was happening, she push me off my chair and then my heart was panicking. Grace have to put her duty before her own happiness, Bastien dealing with his own identity and what was his past which has huge gaps in it, Ellyn been uncomfortable been back to her own home country at the control of the Valenti royal family and Kurt, Daniel's brother trying to be a huge thorn in Aurelie butt while buying the gang some time.
You aren't just following Bastien and Grace POV anymore but everybody which appreciate since now we get to enjoy the perspective of so many characters like Daniel, Kurt, Ellyn, HACK even the bad guys Aurelie and Celeste which were my favorite to explore. Aurelie was quite an enjoyable little villain and seeing her shine more in this book was a blessing. Celeste still a huge wild card and she wasn't undermined and became a vital part for the final act too. More depth to the world and the magic, the history behind the hollow king was revealing and it was mind blowing. I enjoyed this, and if you loved Mageborn you'd love this one too :)
June 16, 2020
Cover ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First Impressions/ Expectations
If you know me, you know I was a SUPERFAN of Mageborn. I loved Bastien and Grace so much. So I had to read Nightborn! Thank you Netgalley & Bookouture for granting me this ARC 🥰
Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
MC ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Enjoyment ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Final Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Tropes: Okay I honestly have no idea what to call anything that happened in this book 😅 Rollercoaster of EMOTIONS, HAE, Cliffhangerish
Trigger Warnings: Some Sexual References, Mild Curses
Would Recommend for... people who enjoy a plot with lots of twists, HAE, Love a story with a great backstory/lore, magggiccccc
Would not recommend for... people who only enjoy fruity feel good romances, light fun reads
Age Recommendation: 15+
Honestly this book was pretty dense. It was super plot heavy with insane twists and it broke my heart a million times over. I loved it, but omg the toll on my heart. It was just insane.
Highly recommend for those who liked the first book and if you haven’t read it yet read Mageborn it’s sooooooo goood ⭐️
SPOILERS FROM THIS POINT ON
Look this took me a second to really read because it’s just so heartbreaking. I had to stop several times because I was like omg WHAT IS THIS?
My beautiful OTP was STRUGGLING and not in the normal way either an OTP does. Bastien had to just get himself in a situation where he got married off to Rynn some dumb princess.
Honestly I just could not with her honestly.
Idk who was more pissed by this Grace or me?
I was like poor GRACE. I love you girl for the both of us though 🥰
So we got more POVs than Grace and Bastien which was fun. I enjoyed Aurelie’s and Kurt’s POV but obviously this was still Bastien and Grace’s story.
Honestly I was struggling the whole way through trying not to punch someone because Grace really loved Bastien and Bastien loved Grace as well but idk I was mad at him 😂
I know it wasn’t his fault but he could’ve left rynn or idk killer her?
Till Death Do Us Part RIGHT? That’s one way to end a marriage.
So plot twists. I think I kept screaming what like more times than I could count.
Bastien getting roofied then married to Rynn
Auralie getting preggo and not actually preggo
Asher betraying Auralie
Auralie killing Celeste
Grace being consumed by darkness MULTIPLE TIMES
Bastien dying but not actually
Ellyn taking the necklace and not bursting into flames
Ellyn being a larerelwynn
Bastien is actually the guard not the hollow king but kind of
Bastien was human and now is human
Juhmane betraying them.
Grace being possessed by Celeste
Grace trying to roofie Bastien and make him forget about her
The list WAS ENDLESS
Yeah this story was tragic epic and then had a happy ending of sorts.
A simple life which was great until MISHA HAD TO SHOW HIS FACE AGAIN.
All in all. I loved this book. I only gave it 4.75 because it broke my heart with Bastien still being married... 😭
Read it. An epic tale of insane proportions with love, betrayal, and a rollercoaster of many other emotions. Buckle down because this book was a hell of a ride. I loved it so much.
First Impressions/ Expectations
If you know me, you know I was a SUPERFAN of Mageborn. I loved Bastien and Grace so much. So I had to read Nightborn! Thank you Netgalley & Bookouture for granting me this ARC 🥰
Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
MC ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Enjoyment ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Final Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Tropes: Okay I honestly have no idea what to call anything that happened in this book 😅 Rollercoaster of EMOTIONS, HAE, Cliffhangerish
Trigger Warnings: Some Sexual References, Mild Curses
Would Recommend for... people who enjoy a plot with lots of twists, HAE, Love a story with a great backstory/lore, magggiccccc
Would not recommend for... people who only enjoy fruity feel good romances, light fun reads
Age Recommendation: 15+
Honestly this book was pretty dense. It was super plot heavy with insane twists and it broke my heart a million times over. I loved it, but omg the toll on my heart. It was just insane.
Highly recommend for those who liked the first book and if you haven’t read it yet read Mageborn it’s sooooooo goood ⭐️
SPOILERS FROM THIS POINT ON
Look this took me a second to really read because it’s just so heartbreaking. I had to stop several times because I was like omg WHAT IS THIS?
My beautiful OTP was STRUGGLING and not in the normal way either an OTP does. Bastien had to just get himself in a situation where he got married off to Rynn some dumb princess.
Honestly I just could not with her honestly.
Idk who was more pissed by this Grace or me?
I was like poor GRACE. I love you girl for the both of us though 🥰
So we got more POVs than Grace and Bastien which was fun. I enjoyed Aurelie’s and Kurt’s POV but obviously this was still Bastien and Grace’s story.
Honestly I was struggling the whole way through trying not to punch someone because Grace really loved Bastien and Bastien loved Grace as well but idk I was mad at him 😂
I know it wasn’t his fault but he could’ve left rynn or idk killer her?
Till Death Do Us Part RIGHT? That’s one way to end a marriage.
So plot twists. I think I kept screaming what like more times than I could count.
Bastien getting roofied then married to Rynn
Auralie getting preggo and not actually preggo
Asher betraying Auralie
Auralie killing Celeste
Grace being consumed by darkness MULTIPLE TIMES
Bastien dying but not actually
Ellyn taking the necklace and not bursting into flames
Ellyn being a larerelwynn
Bastien is actually the guard not the hollow king but kind of
Bastien was human and now is human
Juhmane betraying them.
Grace being possessed by Celeste
Grace trying to roofie Bastien and make him forget about her
The list WAS ENDLESS
Yeah this story was tragic epic and then had a happy ending of sorts.
A simple life which was great until MISHA HAD TO SHOW HIS FACE AGAIN.
All in all. I loved this book. I only gave it 4.75 because it broke my heart with Bastien still being married... 😭
Read it. An epic tale of insane proportions with love, betrayal, and a rollercoaster of many other emotions. Buckle down because this book was a hell of a ride. I loved it so much.
May 28, 2020
Starting (again) with a dark prophecy and that sense of foreboding, Grace and Sebastian along with Elyn, Danny and Misha are in exile, in an island kingdom. Because there is danger everywhere for Sebastian, and his ex-best friend is colluding with the dowager queen and his rather unhinged sister, returning to Rathlynn without a solid plan to ‘solve’ the problems isn’t really an option. And things are bad everywhere: Mageborn are losing control of their magic and are transforming to Nightborn – the most dangerous and deadly of the magic-wielders. All of that signals a great imbalance in powers, an imbalance that Sebastian believes only he can right by returning to the pool where he first made the deal with the Hollow King.
Of course, Grace isn’t about to shirk her duty or her love for him – even when their relationship has become a political disadvantage. Particularly when a Princess, Rynn, is put forth for Sebastian to wed, as her grandmother, queen and chief manipulator, is arranging things. From one battle to another, to learning of powers heretofore unseen, and the struggles that become the power play between Grace, the Deep Dark, Sebastian and the future of the world.
This is NOT a book that will make sense, not in a real way, if you haven’t read the first: Mageborn. And, while the story is listed as YA Fantasy, this is easily one of the more intriguing and clever series, without becoming a long-winded tale of 5 or 7 books, and perfect for a weekend’s read. In fact, this is one of my favorite series to work with medieval feel, magic, romance and plenty of political sub-plots. Thorne’s characters are easy to relate to with strong voices and clear affection and loyalties shown in friendships. Several twists, a few surprises and some unexpected alliances are formed and strengthened in this one, and leaves us all with a peek into the ‘what afters’ for characters we’ve come to know and appreciate.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
Of course, Grace isn’t about to shirk her duty or her love for him – even when their relationship has become a political disadvantage. Particularly when a Princess, Rynn, is put forth for Sebastian to wed, as her grandmother, queen and chief manipulator, is arranging things. From one battle to another, to learning of powers heretofore unseen, and the struggles that become the power play between Grace, the Deep Dark, Sebastian and the future of the world.
This is NOT a book that will make sense, not in a real way, if you haven’t read the first: Mageborn. And, while the story is listed as YA Fantasy, this is easily one of the more intriguing and clever series, without becoming a long-winded tale of 5 or 7 books, and perfect for a weekend’s read. In fact, this is one of my favorite series to work with medieval feel, magic, romance and plenty of political sub-plots. Thorne’s characters are easy to relate to with strong voices and clear affection and loyalties shown in friendships. Several twists, a few surprises and some unexpected alliances are formed and strengthened in this one, and leaves us all with a peek into the ‘what afters’ for characters we’ve come to know and appreciate.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
May 18, 2020
Nightborn is the sequel to Mageborn, part of a dark, magical fantasy series The Hollow King.
I loved the first book and this one did not disappoint at all. In fact I think it was better than the first book in the series and definitely a lot darker.
It follows once again the brave, smart and loyal Grace Marchant and her beloved Prince Bastien who have to defeat their enemies to try and bring peace to their land and stop the Nightborn creating death and destruction among their people.
There are so many characters in this book that I was completely invested in. The author just makes each character’s personality come to life so well. Grace especially is the perfect, heroic female character who everybody would route for.
I went through so many emotions reading this story. It literally at times makes your heart break. It is full of action, adventure, romance, magic and courtly intrigue. This story especially was all about sacrifice. Sacrificing yourself to bring harmony to your people and to your loved ones no matter what the cost is to yourself.
Fantasy fans, you really must read this series. I find it so underrated and it needs to be appreciated a lot more than it is!
I loved the first book and this one did not disappoint at all. In fact I think it was better than the first book in the series and definitely a lot darker.
It follows once again the brave, smart and loyal Grace Marchant and her beloved Prince Bastien who have to defeat their enemies to try and bring peace to their land and stop the Nightborn creating death and destruction among their people.
There are so many characters in this book that I was completely invested in. The author just makes each character’s personality come to life so well. Grace especially is the perfect, heroic female character who everybody would route for.
I went through so many emotions reading this story. It literally at times makes your heart break. It is full of action, adventure, romance, magic and courtly intrigue. This story especially was all about sacrifice. Sacrificing yourself to bring harmony to your people and to your loved ones no matter what the cost is to yourself.
Fantasy fans, you really must read this series. I find it so underrated and it needs to be appreciated a lot more than it is!
July 30, 2020
Thank you to Netgalley, Jessica Thorne and Bookouture for my arc of Nightborn in exchange for an honest review.
Spoilers ahead for book one: Mageborn
Synopsis: following the events of Mageborn Grace and Bastien find themselves facing a new foe as the Mageborn begin to turn Nightborn. Eyes black, magic uncontrollable they succumb to the deep dark. And it's affecting Grace too as the darkness begins to whisper to her....
This is such an underrated fantasy series I seriously loved Mageborn and I loved Nightborn just as much. I love the chemistry between Grace & Bastien and the squad goals of the team who are such brilliant friends. The world building is awesome, the writing really good and the plot is one you want to follow. I can't wait to see more from this author.
Spoilers ahead for book one: Mageborn
Synopsis: following the events of Mageborn Grace and Bastien find themselves facing a new foe as the Mageborn begin to turn Nightborn. Eyes black, magic uncontrollable they succumb to the deep dark. And it's affecting Grace too as the darkness begins to whisper to her....
This is such an underrated fantasy series I seriously loved Mageborn and I loved Nightborn just as much. I love the chemistry between Grace & Bastien and the squad goals of the team who are such brilliant friends. The world building is awesome, the writing really good and the plot is one you want to follow. I can't wait to see more from this author.
December 13, 2025
3/5 Stars | If You Love CW, You’ll Eat This Up 🍿📺💫
What I liked: This one wastes no time—straight into the action we go, boots on the ground, magic flaring, chaos ensues. I loved getting a broader view of the world and spending more time with the secondary characters introduced in book one; that expansion was genuinely fun and added depth. The plot is packed with movement, and the disparate elements swirling around actually create a really intriguing concept for a story. There’s ambition here! Big swings! Lots happening at once! If nothing else, you are never bored.
What I didn’t like: By the end of book two, the realization hit me: this series is written like a CW show. For better or worse. The pacing is episodic, with steady little rises and falls, dramatic beats, and momentum that feels tailor-made for commercial breaks. And listen, some people love that. Truly. I respect it. I simply am not one of those people. It’s not bad, it’s just not my preferred flavor. I can absolutely see why this would be someone else’s comfort fantasy binge, and if those vibes sound delicious to you, I honestly think you should give it a try.
Thank you to Forever Publishing for the copy of this book!
What I liked: This one wastes no time—straight into the action we go, boots on the ground, magic flaring, chaos ensues. I loved getting a broader view of the world and spending more time with the secondary characters introduced in book one; that expansion was genuinely fun and added depth. The plot is packed with movement, and the disparate elements swirling around actually create a really intriguing concept for a story. There’s ambition here! Big swings! Lots happening at once! If nothing else, you are never bored.
What I didn’t like: By the end of book two, the realization hit me: this series is written like a CW show. For better or worse. The pacing is episodic, with steady little rises and falls, dramatic beats, and momentum that feels tailor-made for commercial breaks. And listen, some people love that. Truly. I respect it. I simply am not one of those people. It’s not bad, it’s just not my preferred flavor. I can absolutely see why this would be someone else’s comfort fantasy binge, and if those vibes sound delicious to you, I honestly think you should give it a try.
Thank you to Forever Publishing for the copy of this book!
May 24, 2020
I recieved this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I´ll be waiting for this book since I read Magicborn this February and love it so much. I enjoy this book but not as Magicborn, maybe because the first book was awesome and I want to learn more about the world, the magic, the characters, etc... But I feel unsatisfied.
I expected a lot from this book since I like the first book Magicborn too much, I must admit that I did not expect anything from what I read but I was not surprised. I think I was a little disappointed.
What I liked least about the book was the princess and all the problem that was formed, I felt that it was super unnecessary and irrelevant to the story.
Still the story seems to be over but if another book appears that continues the story, I'll read it.
I think Jessica Thorne has great talent.
Grace is still my favorite character.
I´ll be waiting for this book since I read Magicborn this February and love it so much. I enjoy this book but not as Magicborn, maybe because the first book was awesome and I want to learn more about the world, the magic, the characters, etc... But I feel unsatisfied.
I expected a lot from this book since I like the first book Magicborn too much, I must admit that I did not expect anything from what I read but I was not surprised. I think I was a little disappointed.
What I liked least about the book was the princess and all the problem that was formed, I felt that it was super unnecessary and irrelevant to the story.
Still the story seems to be over but if another book appears that continues the story, I'll read it.
I think Jessica Thorne has great talent.
Grace is still my favorite character.
May 17, 2020
Thank you to @netgalley @bookouture & @jessthornebooks for my #gifted eARC of Nightborn in return for an honest review. This is book 2 of the Hollow King Series.
I really enjoyed this. The characters remained true to the ones you meet in book one. The story continues on well and it’s a nice easy read. It’s classic Fantasy Adventure. So much happens so quickly in this second book and I love that! It’s definitely dark, bloody and fraught with peril but there’s also relationships and romance. Magic, crazy monarchs, deadly plague & deception at every turn.....FUN FUN FUN!!! I loved the ending and I’m really looking forward to book 3.
I really enjoyed this. The characters remained true to the ones you meet in book one. The story continues on well and it’s a nice easy read. It’s classic Fantasy Adventure. So much happens so quickly in this second book and I love that! It’s definitely dark, bloody and fraught with peril but there’s also relationships and romance. Magic, crazy monarchs, deadly plague & deception at every turn.....FUN FUN FUN!!! I loved the ending and I’m really looking forward to book 3.
May 28, 2020
Nightborn is the second in the Hollow King series and I would recommend that you read the first, Mageborn just to get a fuller picture of the characters and story line.
Nightborn really improved on the first book. We get to know the characters even better as it strikes the right balance between romance, action and adventure.
I enjoyed the fact the story got a little bit darker for the second outing too, with an almost fairy tale quality to it.
The relationship between Grace and Bastien was more fraught and tense in this novel too, with plenty of roadblocks to their happily ever after.
I do feel like the ending was a little rushed, in fact there were certain aspects that I would have liked to have seen fleshed out a little more and explained a little better but fingers crossed for another book.
Nightborn is a magical fantasy/romance novel that left me wanting to see more from these characters.
Nightborn really improved on the first book. We get to know the characters even better as it strikes the right balance between romance, action and adventure.
I enjoyed the fact the story got a little bit darker for the second outing too, with an almost fairy tale quality to it.
The relationship between Grace and Bastien was more fraught and tense in this novel too, with plenty of roadblocks to their happily ever after.
I do feel like the ending was a little rushed, in fact there were certain aspects that I would have liked to have seen fleshed out a little more and explained a little better but fingers crossed for another book.
Nightborn is a magical fantasy/romance novel that left me wanting to see more from these characters.
May 2, 2020
I enjoyed this sequel much more than the first book.
Now don’t get me wrong, Mageborn was great! I just think this one was not so much world building, but more plot building. Now that readers have been introduced to the magic and darkness of the world, we really get a chance to get to know the characters.
This story is a bit darker and overall more developed, in my opinion. I enjoyed watching Bastien and Grace have to struggle with decisions. It was refreshing to see characters stick to who they are instead of drastically changing overnight for no apparent reason. There is also more to learn about the side characters.
I stayed up wayyyy too late reading this story, but it was definitely worth the lack of sleep. The chapters before the ending actually had me tearing up. Thorne gave us a semi closed ending, so there is a possibility for another book (which I really hope we get!)
Recommended!
Thank you to NetGalley and Jessica Thorne for the ARC in return for my honest opinion.
-Stone
Now don’t get me wrong, Mageborn was great! I just think this one was not so much world building, but more plot building. Now that readers have been introduced to the magic and darkness of the world, we really get a chance to get to know the characters.
This story is a bit darker and overall more developed, in my opinion. I enjoyed watching Bastien and Grace have to struggle with decisions. It was refreshing to see characters stick to who they are instead of drastically changing overnight for no apparent reason. There is also more to learn about the side characters.
I stayed up wayyyy too late reading this story, but it was definitely worth the lack of sleep. The chapters before the ending actually had me tearing up. Thorne gave us a semi closed ending, so there is a possibility for another book (which I really hope we get!)
Recommended!
Thank you to NetGalley and Jessica Thorne for the ARC in return for my honest opinion.
-Stone
May 8, 2020
I can say this was a riveting character driven story. Mages coming unglued, an evil Queen consort, and an immortal king with his beloved. The second book screams through betrayal and escape, death and destruction as Grace and Bastian try to contain the dark. Very good series, uncompromisingly emotional. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book from Netgalley.
May 3, 2020
I don't know what to say. I still haven't recovered yet.
The last chapters kept me in complete suspense, they led me to despair and back to earth again. At some point I was completely devastated and I couldn't believe what I was reading. I went through all the possible feelings through this story.
This book was about power, unlimited power and what would you do to have access to it.
This book was also about love. And what would you do for love and for the one you love.
It was about sacrifice. Over and over again without a second thought. Sacrifice for your loved one and for your people also.
Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this amazing book ❤️
The last chapters kept me in complete suspense, they led me to despair and back to earth again. At some point I was completely devastated and I couldn't believe what I was reading. I went through all the possible feelings through this story.
This book was about power, unlimited power and what would you do to have access to it.
This book was also about love. And what would you do for love and for the one you love.
It was about sacrifice. Over and over again without a second thought. Sacrifice for your loved one and for your people also.
Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this amazing book ❤️
February 18, 2022
Series- sequel of Mageborn
Rating- 3.7/5
Genre- Epic fantasy
POV- 4 POV switching, third person, past tense
Trope- the chosen one, magic, royalty, god/goddess
Steam level- 2/5
Cover- I wasn’t a huge fan
First chapter-
I just started this sequel and the excessive pronouns and fragments are already jumping out at me. So, since this seems to be a writing pattern for this author, I’ll try to just mention it this once and move along with the plot. Hopefully I can ignore those aspects because I really liked the concept of the first book.
Character Development- hhmm, honestly not sure. If I try really hard, I’d say Grace has the opportunity to learn that she’s not just a “nobody” and Bastien has the opportunity to stop sacrificing himself for others … maybe.
Best part- The cave during her screams
What I would change- The characters’ behaviors conflicted with their words/thoughts too often so I didn’t find them believable.
Setting- The other kingdom was cool and I liked the scene in the cave. That was very visual.
Prose- frustrating with the unclear style. I had to reread often to understand what was happening.
Character goals/motivations-
Theme- light vs dark, the choices we make.
Vivid sensory descriptions- average
Dialogue- below average because it was often difficult to determine who was talking
Inclusivity- multiple MM/FF side-character relationships. I know at least one secondary character to be Black, unsure of others.
Ethics/morals- murder
Conflict/tension/obstacles- many were thrown at them, but they reacted more than had agency. I also didn’t really care much that all the city was infested with Nightborn because I wasn’t given a direct reason to care since it didn’t threaten the main characters much
Pacing- slower
Thoughts while reading-
Chapter 4- it’s not clear who’s POV I’m in & head hopping is happening more often.
Page 59- “I think it marked you.” - what the heck does that mean? Will he wed a princess? Will they find their friend? Will the Hollow King ever take the thrown? What will Celeste do? What is Aurelie’s plan? Will Grace and Bastien live happily ever after?
Page 103- I’m a bit frustrated. When chapters start it takes me 2-3 pages to figure out whose head I’m in, which isn’t good and makes me want to put the book down. A random side character, Danny’s big brother had his own chapter. And for a fantasy romance, there’s not enough prioritizing on the romance.
Chapter 11- I’m still frustrated. Bastien should have way more magic to fight back against this. And it feels like a replica of the first book/redone.
Page 116- oh man, that made me smile. Well done
Chapter 13- awesome chapter
Page 174- when it says Bastien isn’t intimidated by anyone… I don’t believe that. I feel as if his character has been too inconsistent between powerful/alpha and not
Halfway- I can’t quite put my finger on why, but I’m still frustrated. I keep wanting to set the book down. I’m unsure the exact cause. I feel exhausted from ‘something.’ Maybe the repetition? Maybe the constant reacting instead of agency. Maybe the inconsistency of a clear path of the story. I’m unsure.
Chapter 21- ugh, seriously? Grace has gone back and forth a million times. Pick one.
Page 232- I’m also tired of their repetitive apologizing, then responding with “it’s not your fault,” out loud but their internal dialogue not matching that sentiment.
Chapter 22- annoyed that the same problem is happening to multiple characters. We’re just cycling thru the same issue in different people.
Page 256- I feel like we keep talking in circles. Just make something clear already. Also, is everyone related somehow? It’s getting to be a bit much
And why go through all of that if she’s just going to wear it again? What was the point?
Page 287- why would the statue question him it’s contradictory of what he said a page ago
Page 290-340 was pretty damn great.
Ending-
Page 380- I wish it ended here instead of the epilogue. If a third book comes out in this series I won’t be purchasing it.
Rating- 3.7/5
Genre- Epic fantasy
POV- 4 POV switching, third person, past tense
Trope- the chosen one, magic, royalty, god/goddess
Steam level- 2/5
Cover- I wasn’t a huge fan
First chapter-
I just started this sequel and the excessive pronouns and fragments are already jumping out at me. So, since this seems to be a writing pattern for this author, I’ll try to just mention it this once and move along with the plot. Hopefully I can ignore those aspects because I really liked the concept of the first book.
Character Development- hhmm, honestly not sure. If I try really hard, I’d say Grace has the opportunity to learn that she’s not just a “nobody” and Bastien has the opportunity to stop sacrificing himself for others … maybe.
Best part- The cave during her screams
What I would change- The characters’ behaviors conflicted with their words/thoughts too often so I didn’t find them believable.
Setting- The other kingdom was cool and I liked the scene in the cave. That was very visual.
Prose- frustrating with the unclear style. I had to reread often to understand what was happening.
Character goals/motivations-
Theme- light vs dark, the choices we make.
Vivid sensory descriptions- average
Dialogue- below average because it was often difficult to determine who was talking
Inclusivity- multiple MM/FF side-character relationships. I know at least one secondary character to be Black, unsure of others.
Ethics/morals- murder
Conflict/tension/obstacles- many were thrown at them, but they reacted more than had agency. I also didn’t really care much that all the city was infested with Nightborn because I wasn’t given a direct reason to care since it didn’t threaten the main characters much
Pacing- slower
Thoughts while reading-
Chapter 4- it’s not clear who’s POV I’m in & head hopping is happening more often.
Page 59- “I think it marked you.” - what the heck does that mean? Will he wed a princess? Will they find their friend? Will the Hollow King ever take the thrown? What will Celeste do? What is Aurelie’s plan? Will Grace and Bastien live happily ever after?
Page 103- I’m a bit frustrated. When chapters start it takes me 2-3 pages to figure out whose head I’m in, which isn’t good and makes me want to put the book down. A random side character, Danny’s big brother had his own chapter. And for a fantasy romance, there’s not enough prioritizing on the romance.
Chapter 11- I’m still frustrated. Bastien should have way more magic to fight back against this. And it feels like a replica of the first book/redone.
Page 116- oh man, that made me smile. Well done
Chapter 13- awesome chapter
Page 174- when it says Bastien isn’t intimidated by anyone… I don’t believe that. I feel as if his character has been too inconsistent between powerful/alpha and not
Halfway- I can’t quite put my finger on why, but I’m still frustrated. I keep wanting to set the book down. I’m unsure the exact cause. I feel exhausted from ‘something.’ Maybe the repetition? Maybe the constant reacting instead of agency. Maybe the inconsistency of a clear path of the story. I’m unsure.
Chapter 21- ugh, seriously? Grace has gone back and forth a million times. Pick one.
Page 232- I’m also tired of their repetitive apologizing, then responding with “it’s not your fault,” out loud but their internal dialogue not matching that sentiment.
Chapter 22- annoyed that the same problem is happening to multiple characters. We’re just cycling thru the same issue in different people.
Page 256- I feel like we keep talking in circles. Just make something clear already. Also, is everyone related somehow? It’s getting to be a bit much
And why go through all of that if she’s just going to wear it again? What was the point?
Page 287- why would the statue question him it’s contradictory of what he said a page ago
Page 290-340 was pretty damn great.
Ending-
Page 380- I wish it ended here instead of the epilogue. If a third book comes out in this series I won’t be purchasing it.
May 29, 2020
This is the second in the Hallow King series and I really would recommend reading these in order. Nightborn is a follow on, you’d miss out on a lot of the story if you read this as a standalone. As always there will be no spoilers for Nightborn but I will be referring to events that happened in Mageborn.
It was no secret that I adored Mageborn and I have been excited to see what Jessica had in store for us next. Nightborn did not disappoint.
The Story
We pick up the story 3 months after the events of book 1. Our gang of characters have fled Rathlynn to the Valenti Islands. The descriptions of this place really put me in mind of Venice. The city is surrounded by water, everything is interconnected by canals and river ways. All ruled over by the Dowager Queen, a fearsome woman with spies in every part of the world.
After Bastien drew on the Magen to pull Grace back from the dead she hasn’t felt herself. Something is pushing at her being, trying to drag her under. Other Mageborn are no longer going Hollow either, but something much worse, they are becoming Nightborn. Bastien and Grace must navigate the Valenti court and stay one step ahead of the political webs being woven around them. As well as discover what is happening to the Mageborn.
Those Characters we love to hate
They are back, Asher Kane, Queen Aurelie and Celeste, still as mad as ever. The three of them are determined to bring Grace and Bastien down and will use any means necessary. I really dislike this trio but add in a few other questionable characters and yet again you are never quite sure who is playing who and what the long game is. I really enjoy that in a book, trying to work out the outcome of what is going on.
The other new main character we are introduced to is Princess Rynn of the Valenti Island’s. I couldn’t decide how I felt about her at first and I do feel we only brushed the surface of everything she had to offer. She could be a very influential character and I am guessing we will see more of her in the future.
Origin Story
At its heart this is an origin story of the Hollow King and how Bastien came to be what he is. Bastien starts to get his very early memories back. It isn’t quite what we had been led to believe in Book 1. I found this quite complicated in places and had to re-read a couple of bits just to get my head around it all. I’m still a little confused about it but I did love learning more about the magic system and what was happening to all the Mageborn.
Final Thoughts
Just like Mageborn, Nightborn is full of political power play and a hunger for supremacy. It is fast paced, action packed and will make your head spin. I enjoyed the fact that the potential love triangle was not at all what I assumed it to be and Jessica avoided all the usual clichés. It made the story telling so much more interesting.
I have to say I’m not sure how I feel about there being another book in this series. For me in some ways in wrapped up beautifully but equally there were some loose ends that could easily be developed. I will certainly read anything else Jessica publishes as I have really enjoyed what I have read so far.
It was no secret that I adored Mageborn and I have been excited to see what Jessica had in store for us next. Nightborn did not disappoint.
The Story
We pick up the story 3 months after the events of book 1. Our gang of characters have fled Rathlynn to the Valenti Islands. The descriptions of this place really put me in mind of Venice. The city is surrounded by water, everything is interconnected by canals and river ways. All ruled over by the Dowager Queen, a fearsome woman with spies in every part of the world.
After Bastien drew on the Magen to pull Grace back from the dead she hasn’t felt herself. Something is pushing at her being, trying to drag her under. Other Mageborn are no longer going Hollow either, but something much worse, they are becoming Nightborn. Bastien and Grace must navigate the Valenti court and stay one step ahead of the political webs being woven around them. As well as discover what is happening to the Mageborn.
Those Characters we love to hate
They are back, Asher Kane, Queen Aurelie and Celeste, still as mad as ever. The three of them are determined to bring Grace and Bastien down and will use any means necessary. I really dislike this trio but add in a few other questionable characters and yet again you are never quite sure who is playing who and what the long game is. I really enjoy that in a book, trying to work out the outcome of what is going on.
The other new main character we are introduced to is Princess Rynn of the Valenti Island’s. I couldn’t decide how I felt about her at first and I do feel we only brushed the surface of everything she had to offer. She could be a very influential character and I am guessing we will see more of her in the future.
Origin Story
At its heart this is an origin story of the Hollow King and how Bastien came to be what he is. Bastien starts to get his very early memories back. It isn’t quite what we had been led to believe in Book 1. I found this quite complicated in places and had to re-read a couple of bits just to get my head around it all. I’m still a little confused about it but I did love learning more about the magic system and what was happening to all the Mageborn.
Final Thoughts
Just like Mageborn, Nightborn is full of political power play and a hunger for supremacy. It is fast paced, action packed and will make your head spin. I enjoyed the fact that the potential love triangle was not at all what I assumed it to be and Jessica avoided all the usual clichés. It made the story telling so much more interesting.
I have to say I’m not sure how I feel about there being another book in this series. For me in some ways in wrapped up beautifully but equally there were some loose ends that could easily be developed. I will certainly read anything else Jessica publishes as I have really enjoyed what I have read so far.
May 21, 2020
Title: Nightborn
Author: Jessica Thorne
Genre: YA / Fantasy
Release Date: 26th May 2020
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received this copy from Netgalley/Bookouture for an honest review.
I absolutely adored Mageborn so I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book.
After reading the synopsis for Nightborn - I must admit I was terrified for Grace and Bastien's relationship!
What an emotionally terrifying conclusion!
From the very beginning whilst reading the prologue I was hooked yet again by Jessica's writing style.
It dives straight in from where Mageborn left off and it was easy to get sucked back into Grace and Bastien's world again.
If I thought the first was an emotional roller coaster - I was a fool. This book gave no reprieve. The rug was pulled from under my feet so many times, towards the end, each time there was a glimmer of hope for the gang - I just knew something wicked was waiting for them around the corner.
There were plenty of villains in this story, new and old - but more often than not the main characters were their own worst enemies! There was so much self doubt that it was heartbreaking and a torture to read from Grace and Bastien's POV.
Grace stole the show by far and at times that meant Bastien felt like a side character. But I still adore him.
This book was darker than the first too, the scene with Kurt and the first Nightborn he encounters was horrifying and I'm not sure I will get that image out of my head for a while.
If you loved the first instalment, be prepared to have your heart crushed and for your emotions to be all over the place right up until the very last page of this book. It has the perfect blend of despair and hope that made it a great page tuner for me.
The story ends with the potential promise for a future instalment. I recently asked the author if this series would be a trilogy but at the time only a duology was planned. I'm very happy with how this has ended and would love to read more down the line if she ever revisits this world.
I'm definitely adding more of Jessica's books to my TBR
Amazon | Goodreads | Instagram
Author: Jessica Thorne
Genre: YA / Fantasy
Release Date: 26th May 2020
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received this copy from Netgalley/Bookouture for an honest review.
I absolutely adored Mageborn so I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book.
After reading the synopsis for Nightborn - I must admit I was terrified for Grace and Bastien's relationship!
What an emotionally terrifying conclusion!
From the very beginning whilst reading the prologue I was hooked yet again by Jessica's writing style.
It dives straight in from where Mageborn left off and it was easy to get sucked back into Grace and Bastien's world again.
If I thought the first was an emotional roller coaster - I was a fool. This book gave no reprieve. The rug was pulled from under my feet so many times, towards the end, each time there was a glimmer of hope for the gang - I just knew something wicked was waiting for them around the corner.
There were plenty of villains in this story, new and old - but more often than not the main characters were their own worst enemies! There was so much self doubt that it was heartbreaking and a torture to read from Grace and Bastien's POV.
Grace stole the show by far and at times that meant Bastien felt like a side character. But I still adore him.
This book was darker than the first too, the scene with Kurt and the first Nightborn he encounters was horrifying and I'm not sure I will get that image out of my head for a while.
If you loved the first instalment, be prepared to have your heart crushed and for your emotions to be all over the place right up until the very last page of this book. It has the perfect blend of despair and hope that made it a great page tuner for me.
The story ends with the potential promise for a future instalment. I recently asked the author if this series would be a trilogy but at the time only a duology was planned. I'm very happy with how this has ended and would love to read more down the line if she ever revisits this world.
I'm definitely adding more of Jessica's books to my TBR
Amazon | Goodreads | Instagram
June 12, 2020
Nightborn is the second book in the Hollow King series and after reading the first, Mageborn, I’ve been desperate to find out what happens next. Also look at that cover, it’s stunning.
It’s been three months since Grace, Bastien and the team managed to escape from evil Aurelie, Asher and Celeste. They are now in the Valenti Islands hoping to find support so Bastien can claim the throne. Since their departure though something is happening to the Mageborn, the deep dark is taking over and causing carnage and turning them into Nightborn.
When Grace died and Bastien brought her back it triggered the deep dark to surface again and only Grace and Bastien have the power to stop it but there’s always something to get in the way and the couple have a tremendous amount of obstacles thrown in their path.
Nightborn from the get go is action packed and it was fantastic being back with Grace and Bastien. I love that Mageborn gave us the character and world building so for this book we just get straight into it and know the characters.
Grace is a great character, she’s strong and courageous but not showy with it and she seems to have grown more into her skin in this second book. Her passion to protect her friends and Bastien and the fact that she’s more in tune with her power make her standout.
All the previous characters that feature in this story all seem to be well etched on my brain. It was easy to visualise them as I had before and sometimes when there’s a space between books it can take a little while for me to build them up again but as soon as one was mentioned they just popped into my mind, fully formed.
There are some new characters and as with the regular ones you’ll love the goodies and you’ll love hating the baddies.
Nightborn really took me on a roller coaster of a ride, it’s tense, it’s violent, it’s romantic, it’s thrilling and it’s just a pure joy to read. I’m not going to say anything about the plot, no spoilers here but be prepared for a journey that is magical and dark and full of surprises. It will have you’re pulse racing and the pages turning as fast as you can make them.
I’d highly recommend you read Mageborn first so you can get the full experience and understanding of Nightborn and not only that, it’s a blooming good book too. I can’t wait for the next instalment, this is series I never want to end.
It’s been three months since Grace, Bastien and the team managed to escape from evil Aurelie, Asher and Celeste. They are now in the Valenti Islands hoping to find support so Bastien can claim the throne. Since their departure though something is happening to the Mageborn, the deep dark is taking over and causing carnage and turning them into Nightborn.
When Grace died and Bastien brought her back it triggered the deep dark to surface again and only Grace and Bastien have the power to stop it but there’s always something to get in the way and the couple have a tremendous amount of obstacles thrown in their path.
Nightborn from the get go is action packed and it was fantastic being back with Grace and Bastien. I love that Mageborn gave us the character and world building so for this book we just get straight into it and know the characters.
Grace is a great character, she’s strong and courageous but not showy with it and she seems to have grown more into her skin in this second book. Her passion to protect her friends and Bastien and the fact that she’s more in tune with her power make her standout.
All the previous characters that feature in this story all seem to be well etched on my brain. It was easy to visualise them as I had before and sometimes when there’s a space between books it can take a little while for me to build them up again but as soon as one was mentioned they just popped into my mind, fully formed.
There are some new characters and as with the regular ones you’ll love the goodies and you’ll love hating the baddies.
Nightborn really took me on a roller coaster of a ride, it’s tense, it’s violent, it’s romantic, it’s thrilling and it’s just a pure joy to read. I’m not going to say anything about the plot, no spoilers here but be prepared for a journey that is magical and dark and full of surprises. It will have you’re pulse racing and the pages turning as fast as you can make them.
I’d highly recommend you read Mageborn first so you can get the full experience and understanding of Nightborn and not only that, it’s a blooming good book too. I can’t wait for the next instalment, this is series I never want to end.
July 12, 2020
ARC from NetGalley
3.5 stars
I did enjoy this book, but there were some failings. I feel like things were shoe-horned in too conveniently in order to move the plot along. I also found the lore a bit confusing, and there were entire chapters I had to reread trying to wrap my head around. I mean, at the end of it all I still don't 100% understand it.
An example of something a bit contrived:
I didn't have the same excitement over Grace/Bastien. I didn't find the bumps in the road of their relationship believable. I wish that some of the other characters had been fleshed out better, and I wish that it didn't end the way it did. It looks like another book is coming, but it wasn't really a cliffhanger so much as like hey look there's a cliff in the dista...
The cliffhanger isn't the kind of cliffhanger that gets you excited for a new book. It's the kind of cliffhanger that has you wondering whether you just read a cliffhanger or if the author is trying to fade out the chorus instead of ending the track properly.
Man I like to bitch a lot. All of this bitching aside, I liked it. I would read the next one. I would like to read more from this author. It was a decent read.
3.5 stars
I did enjoy this book, but there were some failings. I feel like things were shoe-horned in too conveniently in order to move the plot along. I also found the lore a bit confusing, and there were entire chapters I had to reread trying to wrap my head around. I mean, at the end of it all I still don't 100% understand it.
An example of something a bit contrived:
I didn't have the same excitement over Grace/Bastien. I didn't find the bumps in the road of their relationship believable. I wish that some of the other characters had been fleshed out better, and I wish that it didn't end the way it did. It looks like another book is coming, but it wasn't really a cliffhanger so much as like hey look there's a cliff in the dista...
The cliffhanger isn't the kind of cliffhanger that gets you excited for a new book. It's the kind of cliffhanger that has you wondering whether you just read a cliffhanger or if the author is trying to fade out the chorus instead of ending the track properly.
Man I like to bitch a lot. All of this bitching aside, I liked it. I would read the next one. I would like to read more from this author. It was a decent read.
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